“To me, this meal is the most delicious meal in my life,” Assad told troops and reporters gathered on Sunday night.

President Assad meets with Syrian troops near frontline in Eastern GhoutaCredit:
SANA

He was then given a tour of recaptured territory and was pictured inspecting weapons.

Some online commentators pointed to one picture which seemed to show several fingers on his left hand had turned a dark purple colour, speculating he may have been injured or suffering from infection.

The Syrian regime, supported by Russia, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hizbollah, is waging multiple attacks across the country. A devastating aerial campaign on Aleppo is paving the way for a full-on offensive to retake Syria’s second city.

Assad given a tour of the frontline near Eastern Ghouta, DamascusCredit:
SANA

Meanwhile government troops have been advancing towards the northeastern city of Raqqa, the heart of Islamic State’s so-called caliphate. They have been making slow progress, however, coming up against a fierce defensive from Isil.

As Assad and much of Syria broke its fast last night, Russian and Syrian air strikes over the eastern city of Deir Ezzor left 82 people dead, including 25 children. They had targeted a mosque during prayer time.

Assad, whose government is responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians, faces calls to step down from the US, UK and several other Western governments. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has insisted his removal is not up for negotiation.

The president’s fate has become a sticking point in stalled peace talks between the government and the main opposition groups.